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Welcome to your comprehensive guide to post-surgical recovery and compression garment education. As an experienced authority in faja alterations and post-op care, The Faja Doctor has created this resource to help you prepare with confidence.

Whether you're researching your first surgery or looking to optimize your recovery, this guide covers everything from pre-operative preparation to choosing the right compression garments for each stage of healing.

Knowledge is the foundation of a smooth recovery. Take your time exploring each section, and remember: proper preparation today means better results tomorrow.

Start Here

Your post-surgical recovery journey begins with education and preparation. This guide is designed to help you understand what to expect, what to prepare, and how to make informed decisions about your compression garments.

Recovery is not just about healing—it's about creating the optimal conditions for your body to achieve the best possible results. The right compression garment, worn properly and altered at the right time, can make a significant difference in your comfort, healing, and final outcome.

Why Compression Matters

Post-surgical compression serves multiple critical functions: reducing swelling, supporting healing tissues, promoting proper skin retraction, and maintaining the surgeon's work. Quality compression that fits properly is an investment in your results.

Setting Realistic Expectations

Recovery takes time. Swelling is normal and can last for months. Your garment will need adjustments as your body changes. This is all part of the process, and we're here to guide you through each stage.

Pre-Op Checklist

Post-Op Massages

Book your lymphatic drainage massage sessions in advance. These specialized massages help reduce swelling, prevent fibrosis, and promote healing. Most patients benefit from 8–12 sessions starting 1–2 weeks post-op.

Look for a therapist experienced with post-surgical care who understands your specific procedure.

Stage 1 Faja Guidance

Your surgeon will typically provide your Stage 1 garment. If not, you'll need to purchase one before surgery. Stage 1 garments are high-compression, medical-grade garments worn immediately after surgery for 3–6 weeks.

Do not alter your stage 1 faja—it needs to provide maximum compression during the critical early healing phase.

Stage 2 Faja Guidance

Purchase your Stage 2 garment 2–3 weeks before surgery. This gives you time to ensure proper fit and make any necessary adjustments. Stage 2 garments provide moderate compression and are worn for 3–6 months after Stage 1.

Choose a style that works with your lifestyle and will be comfortable for extended daily wear.

Essential Supplies

  • Antibacterial soap (unscented)
  • Extra gauze pads and medical tape
  • Foam boards or AB boards (as recommended by surgeon)
  • Arnica tablets or cream for bruising
  • Stool softener and pain medication
  • Compression socks for circulation

Wardrobe Preparation

Prepare loose, comfortable clothing that won't irritate surgical sites. Button-up shirts, loose dresses, and elastic-waist pants are ideal. Avoid anything that needs to be pulled over your head for the first few weeks.

Consider how your faja will layer under clothing—dark colors and looser fits work best.

Medication & Drains

Fill all prescriptions before surgery. Set up a medication schedule and prepare a comfortable area to manage drains if applicable. Have measuring containers ready to track drain output.

Create a log to track medication times, drain output, and any concerns to discuss with your surgeon.

Home Comfort Setup

Prepare your recovery space with everything within easy reach: pillows for elevation, entertainment, phone chargers, water, and snacks. Set up a comfortable sleeping arrangement with extra pillows to keep you elevated.

Work Planning

Plan for adequate time off work. Most procedures require 1–2 weeks minimum, but energy levels and mobility may be limited for longer. Arrange help for household tasks, childcare, and pets.

Faja Alteration Timing

Schedule your first alteration consultation for weeks 3–5 post-op. As swelling decreases, your garment will become loose and lose effectiveness.

Plan for 2–4 alterations over your recovery period as your body continues to change.

What to Buy / Skip

Invest in These

✔ High-Quality Stage 2 Faja

A well-made garment from a reputable brand will last through months of daily wear and multiple alterations. Look for sturdy fabric, strong hooks, and good compression distribution.

✔ Professional Alterations

Proper alterations maintain compression effectiveness as your body changes. This is not the place to cut corners—skilled alteration makes the difference between a garment that works and one that doesn’t.

✔ Foam Boards & AB Boards

These help prevent fluid accumulation and promote smooth healing. Essential for most procedures, especially liposuction and tummy tucks.

✔ Lymphatic Massage Series

Post-op massages are crucial for reducing swelling, preventing fibrosis, and optimizing results. Budget for 8–12 sessions as part of your recovery investment.

✔ Quality Skincare

Antibacterial soap, scar treatment, and moisturizer designed for healing skin. Follow your surgeon’s specific recommendations.

Faja Styles Explained

Pull-Up vs Step-Into Styles

Pull-Up Style: These garments pull on like pants. They're easier to get on and off, especially in early recovery when mobility is limited. Better for lower body procedures. The trade-off is they can roll down at the waist if not properly fitted.

Step-Into Style: These garments step into and zip or hook up the front or side. They provide more adjustable compression and stay in place better. Ideal for procedures involving the torso, but can be more challenging to put on during early recovery.

How Stage 2 Should Fit and Feel

Your Stage 2 faja should feel snug but not painful. You should be able to breathe comfortably and move freely. It should provide even compression across all treated areas without creating bulges or cutting into skin.

  • Snug enough to feel supportive, not restrictive
  • No gaps where compression is needed
  • No rolling, bunching, or digging into skin
  • Comfortable enough to wear 20+ hours per day for months
  • Allows for full range of motion in daily activities

Signs It's NOT Too Tight

  • You can breathe normally and move comfortably
  • No numbness, tingling, or pain in compressed areas
  • No excessive red marks that don’t fade quickly after removal
  • You can wear it for extended periods without distress

Choosing the Right Brand

Quality matters when you’ll be wearing a garment daily for months. Look for brands specifically designed for post-surgical recovery with strong construction, medical-grade fabrics, and even compression distribution.

The Foja Doctor works with multiple reputable brands and can help you select the right garment for your specific procedure and body type. (BDY garments are available and recommended for their quality construction and alteration-friendly design.)

Stage 3 & Latex

The Truth About "Stage 3" Garments

Let's be clear: there is no clinical Stage 3 in post-surgical compression protocols. This is a marketing term, not a medical standard.

Your recovery has two compression stages:

  • Stage 1: High compression, medical-grade garment worn immediately post-op for 3–6 weeks
  • Stage 2: Moderate compression garment worn for 3–6 months (or as directed by your surgeon)

When companies sell "Stage 3" garments, they’re typically selling regular shapewear marketed to post-op patients. You don’t need it. Continue wearing your Stage 2 garment (with professional alterations as needed) for the full recommended compression period.

Why We Don't Recommend Latex

Latex compression garments are heavily marketed, but they come with significant drawbacks for post-surgical recovery:

  • Doesn't Breathe
    Latex is non-breathable, causing excessive sweating, skin irritation, and discomfort during extended wear. You need to wear your garment 20+ hours daily—latex makes this miserable.
  • Allergy Risk
    Latex allergies are common and can develop at any time, even if you've never had issues before. Reactions range from mild skin irritation to serious allergic responses.
  • No Superior Compression
    Latex doesn't provide better compression than quality fabric garments. In fact, it often provides uneven compression and can be too restrictive in some areas while loose in others.
  • Poor Durability
    Latex degrades with washing and wear. It doesn’t hold up to alterations well. For months of daily use, fabric garments are far more practical and durable.

Bottom line: Save your money and your comfort. Choose a high-quality fabric compression garment designed specifically for post-surgical recovery.

What Not to Wear

Problematic Garment Styles for Post-Op Recovery

Not all compression garments are created equal. Some popular styles actively interfere with healing and results. Here's what to avoid and why.

Thong-Style Fajas

The Problem: Thong-style garments create a harsh compression line across the buttocks where the garment ends. This can create indentations, uneven results, and visible lines.

Why It Doesn't Work: Compression should transition gradually, not create hard stops. The thong design provides inadequate support to the full treatment area and can push fluid and tissue into areas without compression.

What to Choose Instead: Full-coverage garments that extend to mid-thigh or below, providing even compression across the entire treated area with gradual transition zones.

Panty-Style Cut-Outs

The Problem: Garments with panty-style cut-outs or open buttocks may seem convenient, but they sacrifice compression effectiveness for comfort.

Why It Doesn't Work: If you had lipo to the flanks, lower back, or thighs, you need compression in those areas. Cut-outs create gaps in compression, allowing fluid accumulation and potentially compromising results.

What to Choose Instead: Full-coverage garments designed to compress all treated areas continuously. Convenience features shouldn't come at the expense of compression coverage.

Open-Buttock Designs

The Problem: These garments are marketed as "BBL-friendly," but they often create more problems than they solve.

Why It Doesn't Work: While it's true that BBL patients need to avoid direct pressure on fat grafts, completely open designs don't provide the graduated compression needed for areas around the buttocks. They can create compression lines and uneven results.

What to Choose Instead: BBL-specific garments with strategic design that avoids direct pressure on fat grafts while still providing appropriate compression to surrounding areas. Consult your surgeon for their specific recommendations.

The Bottom Line

Your compression garment is a medical device, not a fashion statement. Choose function over convenience. Full coverage, appropriate compression, and proper fit are what deliver results. When in doubt, consult with your surgeon or a faja specialist before purchasing.

Arm & Thigh Lipo

Thigh Liposuction

Compression Logic

Thighs require full-length compression from waist to below the knee. Partial compression creates fluid accumulation at the garment edge. Your garment should cover the entire treated area plus 2–3 inches beyond.

Garment Recommendations

  • Full-length garment extending from waist to below knee
  • High-waisted style prevents rolling
  • Inner thigh coverage is critical—no cut-outs or gaps
  • Consider garments with silicone bands to prevent riding up

Special Considerations

Inner thigh lipo requires careful compression to prevent fluid accumulation and skin irregularities. The garment must stay in place during movement—walking will cause poorly fitted garments to bunch or ride up, losing compression effectiveness.

Bottom Line
Full coverage from waist to below knee. No shortcuts. Inner thigh compression is essential for smooth results.

Arm Liposuction

Compression Logic

Arms require full-length compression sleeves from shoulder to wrist. This prevents fluid from accumulating at the elbow and ensures even skin retraction. Compression must be continuous along the entire arm.

Garment Recommendations

  • Full-length compression sleeves
  • Adequate shoulder coverage to prevent rolling
  • Seamless or flat seams to prevent irritation
  • Consider separate sleeves vs full garment with sleeves

Special Considerations

Arm compression can be challenging because arms move constantly. The garment must stay in place without being restrictive. Many patients find separate compression sleeves more comfortable than garments with attached sleeves, especially for extended wear.

Bottom Line
Full-length sleeves, shoulder to wrist. Proper fit is critical for comfort during constant arm movement. Don’t compromise on coverage.

Ready to Optimize Your Recovery?

Now that you're armed with comprehensive knowledge about post-op preparation and compression garments, you're ready to take the next step. Whether you're preparing for surgery or already in recovery, professional guidance and expert alterations can make all the difference in your results.

Remember: investing in quality garments and professional alterations is investing in your results. Your body deserves expert care during this critical healing period.

Need guidance? Ask Diana!

Not sure where to start? Have questions about your specific situation? Diana is here to help guide you through the process with care and expertise. No question is too small—reach out and let us support you on your journey.